South Africa offers a wide diversity of honeymoon locations, whether it’s a quiet country retreat, a luxury bush lodge or a beachfront boutique hotel. Here’s a brief look at a few favourite honeymoon locations…
Beach Bliss
South Africa is home to some of the best beaches in the world, and therefore the perfect spot for ‘barefoot luxury’ holidays. Thonga Beach Lodge is situated in the ISimangaliso Wetlands Park, formerly St. Lucia (KwaZulu-Natal) and is only accessible by 4x4 vehicle - which means that privacy and exclusivity are guaranteed. Found along the pristine shores of the coastline, there are only 12 thatched chalets (linked by wooden walkways). Every effort has been made to make the ‘great outdoors’ part of the interior living space and chalets have been built around the ocean and beach (with as little environmental impact as possible). Thonga is known as an excellent snorkelling and scuba diving location.
Although it has a reputation for family holidays, another wonderful establishment in KwaZulu-Natal is the Umngazi River Bungalows on the Wild Coast. This resort is known for its rugged beaches and scenic vistas, and now boasts a health spa as part of the package. Whilst not at the high-end of the accommodation scale, Umngazi offers all the basic luxuries - and rustic views you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
If you have your heart set on the Western Cape as the ideal honeymoon destination, then Birkenhead House in Hermanus offers the ultimate in luxury from the gorgeous Hemel ‘n Aarde (heaven and earth) Valley. This boutique hotel has fantastic sea views of the ocean and you can often glance Southern Right Whales frolicking in the distance during whale season. Birkenhead House has won numerous international awards for excellence.
Honeymoon-on-Safari
When high-end-design meets cutting-edge contemporary style and the ultimate bush location, what do you get? Singita Lebombo. This lodge, situated on a private concession in the Kruger National Park has become a sought-after spot for honeymooners… for good reason. The suites are modelled on the theme of an eagle’s nest and wall-to-ceiling glass guarantees almost 360 degree views of the wilderness landscape. Lebombo has been recognised by Tatler magazine as an ‘architectural masterpiece’ and this lodge is unique in every sense.
Other superbly romantic bush lodges include Sediba Private Game Lodge in the Welgevonden Game Reserve, Tuningi Safari Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve, Thanda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal and a variety of high-end lodges in the exclusive Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve.
[Note that many of these exclusive lodges will assist in organising an intimate wedding celebration, which means you can get married and go on honeymoon in one location.]
Rooms with a View
Not too far from Cape Town’s City centre, you’ll find Cape Cove – a privately owned guest lodge situated at the foothills of Lion’s Head. Located in the suburb of Fresnaye, close to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and the glorious beaches of Clifton, this guest-house has exquisite views of both the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Six en-suite rooms, each with their own private balcony and an eclectic collection of European and African artefacts offer a funky decorative style with a very localised feel. While the hours away at one of the two rim-flow pools that overlook the ocean.
Another notable honeymoon spot is Les Cascades de Bantry Bay, also in close proximity to the Mother City. The lodge has 10 rooms offering a mixture of contemporary art, private balconies and views of the Cape’s version of St Tropez. This establishment is close to all the restaurants and entertainment facilities of the city, yet offers a feeling of privacy and exclusivity.
Of course, if you really want movie-star treatment on your honeymoon, why not book the Penthouse Suite at the world-famous Mount Nelson Hotel, with its lush acres of green lawn, colonial-meets-African atmosphere and tradition of excellence.
Between Forest and Coast
Another extremely popular honeymoon destination is the Garden Route. There are a number of hotels, bed & breakfasts and guesthouses along this scenic coastline that stretches from Mossel Bay (Western Cape) to Storms River (Eastern Cape).
Milkwood Bay Guesthouse is a Mediterranean-styled home-away-from home set along the Knysna Estuary and is a great base from which to explore the Garden Route… and of course, celebrate your new life together.
Other notable establishments in the area include The Penthouse in Plettenberg Bay, Milkwood Manor (also in Plettenberg Bay), and Tsitsikamma Lodge on the outskirts of the Tsitsikamma forest.
Country Retreats
The Coach House and Agatha Spa near Tzaneen (in Limpopo) offers forest-like surroundings combined with the ultimate in luxury. Imbibe in the gorgeous views of the Drakensberg mountain range from your private verandah, spend some time exploring the enchanted garden or head out for the hills with a picnic basket and absolutely no agenda. The Coach House gourmet meals are renowned in this part of the world, as is the excellent service.
Another notable country retreat is Highgrove House in Hazyview, Mpumalanga, consisting of just 8 suites nestling in gorgeous gardens. This country retreat has won numerous awards for its fantastic service, cuisine and exquisite location. The Orchid Suites set in a private garden complete with sauna and swimming pool offer the perfect opportunity for rest and relaxation. Day drives to the Kruger National Park (amongst other activities) are a popular option.
If you’re thinking about honeymooning in the Western Cape winelands, Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse (between Wellington and Tulbagh) is a romantic hideaway in a fynbos nature reserve. The charming Victorian farmhouse is set against the backdrop of a mountain range and allows the perfect respite for those couples wanting some quality time away from the noise of the world.
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Photographs courtesy and copyright of Birkenhead House and Singita Private Game Reserve.